A big paycheck and a corner office do not necessarily translate into effective leadership. The character of good leaders typically shows in the ways they interact with employees and how effectively they motivate a staff to embrace the company missions. Effective leadership is best measured in the success of the organization as a whole, according to the Harvard Business School. Quality leadership requires specific characteristics that vary greatly from necessary frontline management skills.

Characteristics

Characteristics commonly attributed to a competent and successful leader include the ability to inspire and motivate people. Effective leaders form relationships based on mutual trust. They are able to form connections with workers who then develop a desire to emulate the leader and follow her direction. Good leaders lead by example, which instills a sense of confidence in employees that the leader, and thus the company, operates with integrity. A sense of pride and loyalty results from the experience.

Skills

Effective leaders know how to frame their objectives and provide direction to employees on how to fulfill the company mission. They are specific in their requests and provide details when necessary. Effective leaders are consistent in their message that is complemented by their actions. Leaders don't have to micro-manage employees like the managers whom they utilize for those skills. While they don't necessarily need the technical skills required of the industry in which they land, they do need to use universal people skills that translate into effectiveness in any work environment. Skills such as listening, showing compassion, being able to communicate well with all levels of employees and stakeholders and maintaining a relatively stable demeanor are valuable tools leaders must develop.

Behaviors

Leaders must be able to develop a company's vision and mission, though they don’t necessarily have to design the tools to implement those goals. Instead, leaders look beyond the daily mundane work with a perspective that takes in the complex set of influences driving the economy in general and your industry in particular. Instead of taking credit for the direction a company assumes, effective leaders strive to develop and enable others to become successful.

Development

The U.S. Army prides itself on developing character in young recruits. It values that same strength of character in its leaders. The same values that drive the highly disciplined Armed Forces consist of many of the same processes that civilians in business can use to develop the character to become an effective leader. Doing something because it's right and not just out of fear of punishment or negative consequences is a basic rule the effective leader must maintain. Defining those values is the first step toward developing that ability. Strong leadership characteristics can be learned, though much of the process is internal and relies on self-confidence and strong moral beliefs. Books, classes, seminars and mentors can help you fine-tune your leadership abilities.

About the Author

Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."